Tips to Cut Down on Stress

April is Stress Awareness Month. Why should you care? Because stress is a major factor in such conditions as heart problems, diabetes, even infertility. So how do you know when you are over stressed and what can you do?

Let's face it. Unless you live in a cave, you can't avoid stress. It's everywhere. But sometimes, major stressful events such as the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, can mount up and begin to affect your health. How can you tell if you are really stressed out?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, these signs could mean you need to step back and deal with your stress:-if you are tense, irritable and it affects your day to day interactions with people- if you have fear or anxiety about the future- if you have difficulty making decisions- you have frequent nightmares- or sleeplessness- or you feel powerless....

Doctors will tell you there are things you can do to cut down on your stress.

-try to avoid drugs and alcohol. They make you feel good at the time, but they can be a dangerous crutch.-find support...talk to a friend, counselor, clergy person, even a doctor...because sharing a problem lightens the load.- get out and be with friends...having fun and laughing can really de-stress a person.- and be good to yourself - that means exercise. Try to get six to eight hours of sleep, eat healthy and always keep your mind active. It will make you feel a whole lot better.

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